Frugal RV Traveling Tips

As if vacationing RV-style is not cost-effective enough, consider these tips to make RV-travel even more economical.

Title: Frugal RV Traveling Tips: Keeping an Eye on the Road - and Your
Budget

Author: John Noble

Hitting the road in your RV and the RV lifestyle can be one of the most  economical ways to travel. If you do a little planningand research ahead of time, it's easy to save even more - without ever feeling like you're pinching pennies.
One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the "shoulder seasons" - before and after prime travel time - when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions.

Here are 5 cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any timeof the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas

Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she
doesn't have to look any further than her own backyard to find
her heart's desire? Well, we're not suggesting camping out right
outside the house, but think about going to places not too far
away that you've always meant to check out.

You'll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations
are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered
in just a few hundred miles, and you're bound to discover
exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

Tip: Your neighborhood library is a terrific resource forresearching local and state information and attractions - andmost of it is free!

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage

It's a simple fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you'll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a "less is more" policy.

For example, you don't have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the firstday's travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you've reached your day's destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refilllater. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase yourgas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items likesoup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulkyboxes into heavy-duty plastic bags - not only do they take upless space, you can reuse them once they're empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware - A More Economical ApproachOverall

Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the
easy way to go - and might even seem economical when you buy in
bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to
find, and while they might not last forever, they'll certainly
see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion.

Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another
way to save on weight, especially when you're starting out on
your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety ofvibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up eventhe simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More - Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts

When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer
stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save
on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for
lengthier stays.

By driving less and staying more, you'll receive an additional benefit: It's much more relaxing to know that once you've turnedoff the ignition you're settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you'll be able to do some morein-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you'llbe visiting. Check for listings of events that you might nothear about otherwise … and don't forget to look in theclassifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!


5. Stop and Shop - At Local Discount or Dollar Stores

When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and
convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look
for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and
vegetable stands — depending on the season. You might not save
much money there, but there's nothing better than freshly picked
produce.

Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at
flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind
treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the
opportunity to find unusual items, it's a great way to get to
know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy - youmight spot the perfect knickknack for a family member atsomeone's yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:

- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks

- Join Good Sam Club for 10% discount at their parks

- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel

- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart,
K-Mart, GI Joes - instead of RV stores

- Avoid buying your RV "supplies" - like toilet paper - that
claim to be for RVs/motorhomes. Save money and buy the cheap
stuff.

- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don't eat out.
You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV's
refrigerator

- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go

- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look
at a "Trailer Life Campground Directory" at your local library
to compare camping fees.

- Plan!!

About the author:
John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc - a
California-based sales and service RV dealership featuring
Itasca and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailer units.
For 100% customer satisfaction and personal customer care in new
and used RV sales, repair/service, parts and RV rentals that has
placed Sky River RV 'a cut above the rest' in RV dealers in
California go to http://www.skyriverrv.com

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